8 Best Aftershaves for Bald Heads

Shaving your head feels amazing, right? But that post-shave irritation? Not so much. Dryness, redness, and that annoying burning sensation can quickly turn a smooth shave into a rough experience. 

That's where a good aftershave comes in.

The problem is that most aftershaves aren't made for bald heads. Some are packed with alcohol that stings like crazy, while others just don't offer the TLC your chrome dome desperately needs. You need something that soothes, hydrates, and actually cares for your skin. 

That's why we've rounded up the best aftershaves for bald heads, so you can keep your scalp feeling fresh and looking its best, every single day.

The Top Aftershaves for Head Shavers at a Glance:

• Top Pick: Freebird Hydrating Post Shave Lotion, $11.65
• Runner Up: Bee Bald Post Shave Healing Balm, $7.94
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm, $11.00
  
• Best Natural: Weleda Aftershave Balm, $14.39
• Best for Oily Skin: Proraso Aftershave Lotion, $14.00
• Best for Razor Burn: Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel, $23.00
• Best Luxury: Truefitt & Hill Trafalgar Aftershave Balm, $62
• Best for Dry Skin: Cremo Cooling Formula Post Shave Balm, $7.99

*Prices are accurate as of publishing but may be subject to change

The 8 Best Aftershaves for Head Shavers

#1 Freebird Hydrating Post Shave Lotion - Top Pick 

Pros:

• Designed for bald heads
• Works on sensitive skin
• Prevents post-shave irritation
• Soothes and hydrates skin
• Tightens pores
• Light and non-greasy
• Paraben free
• 30-day trial
• Available in a Shave Care Kit for the best value

Cons:

• Need to subscribe for the best price (up to 37% less)
• Sandalwood scent (not for everyone)

Who it's for: This is your go-to if you shave your head regularly and want a dedicated product that soothes, hydrates, and helps your scalp recover. It's especially great for those with sensitive skin who enjoy a light, pleasant scent.

Our top pick for your aftershave routine is Freebird's Hydrating Post-Shave Lotion. This sandalwood-scented aftershave lotion is a game-changer. It takes away the sting from your shaving routine and soothes and hydrates your scalp to prevent irritation.

Freebird designed this gem with bald scalps in mind. It's perfect for moisturizing and helping our heads heal after a shave. Plus, it's made with gentle ingredients, is paraben-free, and safe for sensitive skin.

Buy from myfreebird.com or on Amazon

For the best shaving experience, grab the complete shave care kit. It includes your Post-Shave Lotion plus a Soothing Shave Gel and Lubricating Pre-Shave Oil.

#2 Bee Bald Post Shave Healing Balm - Runner-Up 

Pros:

• Formulated for head shavers
• Contains bee pollen and honey extracts
• Has anti-bacterial properties
• For all skin types
• Non-greasy with light fragrance

Cons:

• Not for baldies who are allergic to bee products

Who it's for: This balm is for anyone with a shaved head who's looking for a non-greasy, soothing aftershave. If you want a light fragrance and the added bonus of anti-bacterial protection, this one's a definite keeper.

Here's another contender from Bee Bald, a brand that clearly knows a thing or two about bald heads. The Bee Bald Post Shave Healing Balm works for all skin types and contains the good stuff from bees that helps soothe irritation after shaving. Oh, and it also has anti-bacterial properties that help keep pesky infections at bay.

Its non-greasy formulation and fresh aquatic scent are a perfect combo for head shavers who want less shine and a lighter fragrance aftershave.

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

#3 Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Best for Sensitive Skin

Pros:

• Alcohol free
• Dermatologically tested
• Fights 5 signs of shave irritation
• Contains soothing ingredients (Vitamin E, witch hazel, and chamomile)

Cons:

• Subtle fragrance (not for everyone)

Who it's for: This balm is a lifesaver for anyone with sensitive skin who shaves regularly. If you battle razor burn, dryness, or irritation, and want a trusted solution from a known brand, this is your pick.

Dermatologists say head shavers with sensitive skin should ditch alcohol-based formulas because they sting and cause dryness.

The Nivea Sensitive Skin Post Shave Balm is alcohol-free and packs a soothing punch with Vitamin E, witch hazel extract, and chamomile. These are the perfect ingredients for calming even the most reactive scalps. It's dermatologically tested and our best aftershave for sensitive skin. 

Researchers at Nivea formulated this aftershave balm to fight the five signs of shave irritation:

• burning,

• micro cuts,

• dryness,

• tightness,

• and stubble itching.

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

#4 Weleda Aftershave Balm - Best Natural

Pros:

• Made with natural ingredients
• Free from harsh chemicals
• Dermatologically tested
• Suitable for all skin types
• Super gentle
• Nourishes with aloe vera, shea butter, chamomile, jojoba, and coconut oil)

Cons:

• N/A

Who it's for: This balm is your ideal pick if you're avoiding harsh chemicals and want a more natural approach post-shave.

If harsh ingredients irritate your scalp, we've found your guardian angel. The Weleda Aftershave Balm is packed with the natural goodness of chamomile, aloe vera gel, shea butter, jojoba, and coconut oil. It's gentle on sensitive skin and great for refreshing and cooling scalps after shaving.

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

#5 Proraso Aftershave Lotion - Best for Oily Skin

Pros:

• Made from 98% natural ingredients
• Contains witch hazel, eucalyptus, and menthol (good for oily skin)
• Cruelty free
• Paraben and SLS free
• Calms inflammation
• Absorbs quickly
• Reduces post-shave irritation
• Non-greasy formula

Cons:

• "Barbershop" scent (not for everyone)
• May be too strong for sensitive skin

Who it's for: This lotion is for baldies with oily skin who need to control shine. It's perfect if you want a refreshing, toning feel after shaving. If you like a classic barbershop scent and the invigorating sensation of menthol and eucalyptus, give this a go.

While alcohol-based aftershaves aren't recommended for dry skin, they are helpful for oily skin. The alcohol will remove the excess oil on your skin, which is good for overall scalp health.

You'll be fine using an alcohol-based aftershave if you avoid ingredients that can clog pores, like cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil. These ingredients cause more oil, which we don't want for our scalps.

The Proraso aftershave lotion is our best bet for oily skin. It contains witch hazel, eucalyptus, and menthol, which calm and refresh your scalp after a quick shave.

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

#6 Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel - Best for Razor Burn

Pros:

• Soothes and prevents razor burn
• Provides a refreshing and cooling sensation
• Hydrates scalp and controls excess oil
• Alcohol free

Cons:

• Pricey

Who it's for: This cooling gel is perfect for anyone who frequently battles razor burn or redness after shaving. If you need an alcohol-free option that soothes, hydrates, and helps balance oil, this is a powerful choice.

If razor burns on your head are a problem, try our top aftershave that helps prevent your dreaded nemesis. The Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel is alcohol-free and contains lavender, aloe, sage, chamomile, and glycerin. Proven skin-soothing ingredients that heal and hydrate tender scalps after shaving.

Head shavers love Jack Black's cooling gel because it hydrates the scalp while controlling oil. Witch hazel helps reduce excess sebum, while the other ingredients maintain hydration.

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

#7 Truefitt & Hill Trafalgar Aftershave Balm - Best Luxury

Pros:

• Provides a luxurious shaving experience
• Alcohol free
• Gentle on skin
• Deeply moisturizes skin
• From a brand with more than a century of grooming experience

Cons:

• High price tag
• Trafalgar scent (not for everyone)

Who it's for: This balm is for shavers who want to splurge on a truly luxurious and effective aftershave. If you appreciate classic British grooming, desire deep hydration, and love a sophisticated, lasting fragrance, this is worth every penny.

If you want an aftershave made by the oldest barbershop in the world with centuries of experience (like Gillette but older), Truefitt & Hill Trafalgar Aftershave Balm is a solid choice.

It quickly calms irritation and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth after shaving.

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

#8 Cremo Cooling Formula Post Shave Balm - Best for Dry Skin

Pros:

• Made for post shave comfort
• Deeply hydrates dry scalps
• Gives a cooling sensation without the alcohol sting
• Non greasy and absorbs quickly

Cons:

• Scent may not appeal to everyone
• Menthol may be too strong for sensitive skin

Who it's for: This balm is ideal for baldies with dry skin who want a dedicated aftershave that hydrates and feels refreshing. 

For bald heads that's prone to dryness, the Cremo Cooling Formula Post Shave Balm is a great choice. It's made to sooth and give long lasting hydration after you shave. It has moisturizing ingredients with a subtle cooling effect, leaving your scalp refreshed without the sting.

Buy from their website or on Amazon.

What is an Aftershave?

Aftershave is a soothing product you put on after shaving to calm irritation, reduce redness, and protect your skin. In the old days, it was often a harsh, alcohol-based disinfectant that burned like crazy and dried out your scalp. If you’ve ever slapped one on after a fresh shave, you'll remember the sting!

Thankfully, today’s skincare formulations have come a long way. Most aftershaves ditch the alcohol, so there’s no burn or excessive dryness. Instead, they hydrate, soothe, and keep your scalp feeling fresh. Whether you prefer a gel, balm, or lotion, the right aftershave makes all the difference for your freshly shaved scalp.

Why Do We Need Aftershaves?

Even with the best electric shavers, shaving can be tough on our skin, especially our super-sensitive scalps. Tiny nicks, inflammation, dryness, irritation, dandruff, razor burn, and razor bumps are common complaints you hear from head shavers.

Aftershaves are like superheroes that rescue and help minimize or totally eliminate these post shaving side effects.

Benefits of Using Aftershaves

Disinfection

Aftershaves started as an antiseptic for nicks and cuts. They're still good at disinfecting today. The good news is that they no longer sting when you apply them to freshly shaved heads.

Reduced irritated skin and redness

Aftershaves calm and soothe our scalps after shaving. This reduces the chances of skin irritation and redness.

Moisturization

Shaving can strip our scalps' natural oils, making them drier. Too much dryness can cause irritated skin and dandruff. Aftershaves put that lost moisture back, helping to keep our scalps hydrated and smooth after a morning shave.

Smell Good

Some aftershaves have essential oils that make your scalp smell good after shaving. If you want people to notice your scent when you enter a room, an aftershave with a strong fragrance is a good choice. If you want a lighter smell or are sensitive to fragrance, unscented aftershaves or those with more delicate fragrances are your best bet.

Promote a Healthier Scalp

Adding an aftershave to your shaving routine will ultimately promote a healthier scalp overall.

How to Choose the Right Aftershave for Bald Heads

Choosing the right aftershave for your chrome dome can tough with so many options. Here are some tips to consider before buying.

For specific body parts

Some aftershaves are made for specific body parts. For head shavers, choosing one formulated for bald heads is better than those meant for the face or neck. While facial aftershaves may work just fine on your scalp, a bald head aftershave will always be the top choice for baldies.

For dry skin

Thanks to electric razors that give us a smooth dome in 90 seconds, a smooth shave is now easier to achieve. However, shaving can aggravate the situation and cause even more dryness if you have dry skin. This can lead to dandruff, flaking, and an itchy scalp.

The best aftershaves for baldies with dry skin contain natural ingredients that moisturize scalps, like coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter, and honey.

For oily skin

For baldies with oily skin, you must choose the opposite and avoid the abovementioned ingredients that can over-moisturize your scalp and clog pores. A water-based aftershave and one with a small amount of alcohol are good ideas.

For razor burn

If you are prone to razor burn, an aftershave with antiseptic properties like witch hazel or tea tree oil is a good option. These ingredients help prevent infection and lower the risk of razor burn.

For sensitive skin

If your scalp gets easily irritated, don't worry. Some aftershaves are formulated to minimize or prevent skin irritation. Not only that, but some shavers are also gentle on your scalp.

Look for one that has natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties. Aftershaves that are dermatologically tested with non-oily formulas are a good choice. Freebird's Hydrating Post Shave Lotion is a good option here, so we have it as our top pick.

Try it for yourself. It's the best thing you can add to your post-shave ritual.

Tips on Using Aftershave for Bald Heads

Before applying aftershave, rinse your head and face with cold water. Cool water helps close pores and prevents clogging. Pat your head dry and apply a small amount of aftershave while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Make sure to cover your entire scalp, including your neck area. Remember not to scrub your freshly shaved scalp with your towel while drying. It can cause irritation or damage to your skin.

If you feel dry, apply aftershave or moisturizer throughout the day. Our scalps need extra hydration and nourishment, especially after a shave.

The Bottom Line

A shaved head is meant to be shown to the whole world, but razor burn, dry scalps, and dandruff can ruin the show. Before you hide your dome with your hoodie try applying aftershave first.

Now that you've chosen to rock your bald head confidently, having a top-notch aftershave in your arsenal really helps. It keeps your scalp healthy and hydrated.

Treat yourself to one of our best picks and take your grooming game to new heights.

We recommend our top pick: Freebird's Post Shave Hydrating Lotion. Try it today.

Your scalp will thank you for it.

To know more about what to put on your scalp after shaving, click on the link to read our guide.

FAQ

Can we use aftershave on our bald head?

Absolutely! Some aftershaves are specifically formulated for bald heads, making them better suited for baldies than traditional facial aftershaves.

Aftershave balms vs lotions: Which is better?

Both are good aftershaves you can apply to your bald head after shaving. Balms are usually thicker and creamier in texture than lotions. They also contain a small to no amount of alcohol, which is suitable for those with oily scalps.

Do aftershaves expire?

Yes. Depending on the manufacturer, they may last six months to five years. Check the label before buying to ensure that you'll get a product that will last long. Aftershaves that contain alcohol usually last longer than their no-alcohol counterparts.

Can an aftershave replace a moisturizer?

No. As their name implies, an aftershave and a moisturizer are designed to solve different problems. Moisturizers deal with dry skin, while aftershaves soothe irritation shaving. While an aftershave may contain moisturizing ingredients, it's best not to replace your moisturizer with an aftershave. Having the best moisturizer and aftershave in your arsenal will always be the best option.